Choices

Summary: This story takes place in Eclipse when Riley goes to Bella’s room to gather her belongings for Victoria. This is what could have happened if Bella had arrived while he was still there, and the events following. Written pre-Breaking Dawn, so that book will be disregarded here. This will include my idea of how the series would have ended.

Notes: *Written before Breaking Dawn was released, so that book will be ignored with this story.

12. Unexpected Responses

"I don’t mean to interrupt, but something has just occurred to me," Carlisle said. "Bella, we really need to get you out to hunt. I don’t understand your eye color, but I know enough to realize that you’re going to need to drink. I think we should take care of that sooner than later...I don’t want the thirst to get to be too much for you."

Edward spoke next. "Carlisle’s right - I should have already thought of that, but with everything else...I’m sorry for being so inconsiderate, Bella. Would you like to go now?" Edward looked uncertainly at me, waiting for an answer.

I thought for a moment; I hadn’t even considered thirst since I woke up, there was so much more to deal with. Closing my eyes, I tried to focus, to determine how I felt. I thought about blood...about having to take the life of something, whether human or animal, to sustain me. It was sickening. Blood still sounded as disgusting to me as it had when I was a human.

"Eewww...I don’t think so," I replied.

Silence. I was getting used to that response.

"Bella, I know it sounds strange, but everything will fall into place once your senses take over...it really is necessary," Edward insisted.

"He’s right, Bella. I know it may seem...unappealing, but let me assure you, that will change once you start hunting. You’ll adjust. You’re just not used to the idea," Carlisle encouraged me.

Esme just sat looking at me, confusion upon her face. She hesitated, then asked, "Bella, aren’t you thirsty?"

I tried to think about it again. Knowing my reaction was disturbing them again, I tried to re-focus on my thirst. Again, I thought about blood. Ugh. I shook my head. "I am absolutely, in no way, thirsty," I stated, and it was the truth - I didn’t feel like I wanted anything.

Edward was concerned. "Bella, let’s just go for a walk out back, and if you decide to try to hunt, fine, if not, that’s alright too."

"Please, Edward. I’m fine, and I really don’t want to do that right now," I pleaded.

He couldn’t stand my tone. "Alright, Bella. We’ll wait a little while longer, but if you start to feel thirsty, please tell me," he said, looking more confused than ever.

With a perplexed look, Carlisle said he needed to get back to some work in his study, and Esme followed him. They both gently hugged me before they left the room, letting me know to just ask if I needed anything. Great, they must think I’m some kind of vampire freak.

Edward sighed. "I have to make a phone call, Bella."

"Are you calling Jacob?" I asked.

"Yes, I promised him that I would," he replied. I just nodded my head. He looked at me again, seeming to make sure I was ok, before he pulled out his cell and dialed.

EPOV

I waited to make sure that Bella seemed alright with me calling Jacob. She didn’t protest, so I dialed his number.

"Hello, Edward. I assume you have news for me," Jacob answered bitterly. He had been dreading this call, as he knew it would mean that Bella was officially one of us.

"Yes, I do. Bella woke earlier today," I answered.

"And?" Jacob demanded.

"And...she has completed the change, if that is what you are alluding to," I answered. There was momentary silence on the other end.

"Is she ok? Mentally, I mean?" Jacob asked. His tone still held anger, but he seemed concerned as well.

"She will be. It will take time; she’s dealing with a lot right now," I explained.

Jacob was quiet again. I waited, trying to be patient, when Bella spoke to me. "Edward, can I talk to him?"

I hesitated, not knowing what to do. I didn’t want him to further upset her, but I didn’t want to deny her request, either.

Jacob spoke before I could decide. His voice was full of pain. "Did Bella just ask to speak to me?"

"Yes...but I am sure you can understand why I am hesitant," I replied.

"Why’s that? Cause you think she’ll regret you biting her cause she wants to be with me?" Jacob sneered into the phone. I fought to remain calm; Bella was watching.

"No, Jacob. She is just in a very fragile place right now."

"It’s fine, don’t hurt your brain trying to figure it out, bloodsucker. I don’t know if I can handle this right now. Tell her I’ll call your cell if I want to talk to her," he spat out, before hanging up.

Shutting my phone slowly, I looked at Bella. She looked hurt. "He’s just not ready yet, Bella. He has to deal with this first. Please don’t be upset."

She took a deep breath, and then looked at me. "I really didn’t know what to expect, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, aren’t we mortal enemies now?" Her voice had such a sarcastic tone to it, I could tell that she was clearly disappointed and hurt by Jacob’s actions, which just further infuriated me.

It was approaching ten o’clock now, and I couldn’t help but remember our usual routine. Bella would go take her shower, change into her pajamas, and we would lay in bed, holding each other and talking until she would drift off to sleep. Although I was quite sure sleeping was not a possibility anymore, I realized that she hadn’t had time to get cleaned up, or change clothes. Esme had taken care of her and changed her clothes after we brought her here, to get her out of the bloody, muddy mess that she was covered in, but that was it, and it’d been four days. She was probably incredibly uncomfortable.

"Bella, I’m sorry I didn’t think of this sooner. Would you like to take a shower and change clothes? You can use my bathroom...Esme collected some of your clothes from your room at Charlie’s house. They’re in my closet upstairs," I explained.

"Oh. Yes, I guess that does sound good. I’ll be back," she said, as she left to go upstairs.

I leaned back against the couch, pinching the bridge of my nose. All of this was so overwhelming. There was barely time for me to reflect, when I heard two voices interrupting my thoughts - Jasper and Emmett. They were descending the stairs, ready to talk now that Bella was safely out of the room. Standing up, I motioned towards the back door, as I knew her hearing was far better now than it used to be. They nodded, and followed me outside. We ran about a quarter of a mile out, just to be sure. I knew whatever they had to say, Bella may not want to hear.